Summer Style: The Statement Dress

How truly sexy is this Multi-Coloured Knit Dress? The thigh skimming kimono meets mini is the epitome of sunkissed style. Wear it bare legged for a night of cosmopolitans and dancing, make it edgy with wet-look leggings, or dress it down with skinny jeans. I do love a versatile piece like this that can be playful all Summer long. Keep the jewellery simple, the dress makes a statement all by itself.

Get the look:
Multi-Coloured Knit Dress, £110
Jazzy Patent Shoes, £100
Available from French Connection.

Web: www.frenchconnection.com

Style Savings: £20 off Matches Fashion

My all time favourite shopping boutique sent me this lovely offer and I couldn't keep it to myself. Enjoy! xoxo

Summer Style: The Smart Maxi

Maxi dresses are truly this Summer's staple, so for me finding a dress with versatility is the key. This 70s inspired number from Marks and Spencer is just the kind of Maxi that you can wear for an interchangeable look.

This dress has gorgeous draping detail at the top and the draw-string belt helps to nips in the waist nicely. I especially love the bare arms for added sex appeal without cleavage overkill - great for those of us who aren't big busted.

In the right shade, grey can be a fantastic hue for Summer - I'd match it with sassy lime green to liven the look or pair the dress with soft metallic greys to add depth. Plus with this colour choice, the dress will work just as well in Autumn. Now that's a smart way to wear the Maxi dress this season don't you think?

Like the look? Here's where to get it:
1. Garden Party Pleated Shoulder Bags by Karen Millen in Lime and Grey
£89.95 available at ASOS.
2. 70's grey maxi dress, Marks and Spencer, £59
3. Late nights platform grey patent shoes, Office, £80
4. Leather Beaded Star Flat Sandal, ASOS, £24.75

BODYAMR: Ready to Wear - Sale Now On

The deliciously vibrant fashion label BodyAmr starts their spring sale this weekend, with reductions as low as £30. Their spring/summer offering includes Grecian goddess dresses, Arabian night pieces and sultry accessories to match. Quite simply, their collection is swoon worthy. If you can't make the sale, get your fashion fix online at www.bodyamr.com.

Dates:
Friday 8th May, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday 10th May, 12 p.m-5 p.m.

Address:
BodyAmr Studio,
7 Coptic Street
London
WC1 A1NH
UK
Tel: 020 7691 2085

Nautical Style: Smart-Casual Cruise

There's one classic spring/summer trend that always manifests itself on the catwalk and the high street in some shape or form - I'm talking about the nautical look. The classic colours of red, white and navy is constantly being recycled and reproduced.

Last year's take on the nautical theme was to incorporate plenty of navy and red patterning, mostly stripes and polka dots. This year, it's all about glossy blocks of colour and bold statement accessories accented with traditionally delicate, classic stripes. Personally, the way I like to wear nautical is smart-casual, dressed up with luxe accessories for a look I like to call 'smart casual cruise'.

Today, I've been putting together must-have investments for this season and I came across Viviene Westwood hi-gloss navy pumps and the Miu Miu white bow bag. These are just the kind of accessories that pull the look together. So here's my wish list for this season; the following pieces are versatile enough to work perfectly as part of any nautical ensemble and they're right on-trend.

Credits:

1. Red Dorothy Shift Dress, Yarnie by Shin Choi - £166.00
Available at my-wardrobe.com
2. Navy and Red Stripey Scarf, McQ Alexander McQueen - £58.00
Available at my-wardrobe.com
3. New Petite jacket, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania - £322.98
Available at net-a-porter.com
4. White Leather Strap watch, French Connection - £93.00
Available at asos.com
5. Bow detail tote, Miu Miu - £617
Available at net-a-porter.com
6. Navy Ultra Girl Pump, Vivienne Westwood Accessories - £59
Available at my-wardrobe.com
7. Red Wide Stripe Elastic Belt, Wallis - Was £12.00 - Now £7.00
Available at wallis-fashion.com

Watch: Gucci SS/09 Campaign - Behind the scenes

When it comes to the big names like Prada, Louis Vuitton and Versace, I'm so used to seeing their spreads in the glossy mags and I tend to day dream about what went into creating those key shots, wishing I were there to see the magic happen!

Thanks to the genius of YouTube, we can now get a sneak peak behind fashion campaigns. I love this Gucci video showing showing the models of the latest campaign doing what they do best - look effortlessly fabulous...not that I'm jealous or anything!

Tribal Trend: Actually I do like it...

In my last post I expressed my pretty humdrum attitude towards the s/s09 Tribal/African theme I saw at the London Fashion Weekend last month. And my main concern is that the whole tribal thing can often get a bit cliché and OTT - that's something I just don't do. However since exploring the idea further, I've been won over by the tribal inspired pieces from the likes of Marni, Monsoon, Miu Miu and ETRO. They're working the 'African Queen' theme like a dream and I am literally having to eat my own words.

Check out the inspired looks below and you'll soon see why!

Credits:
1. Marni Stone embellished metal necklace - £260
2. ETRO Tribal print silk kaftan - £595
3. Miu Miu Ruched shoulder bag - £755
4. Marni double platform peep-toe sandals - £357

Credits:
1. Philippe Audibert Spiked gold bracelet -£370
2. ASOS Large Stone Cocktail Ring - £10.00
3. Marks and Spencer Aztec dress - £39.50
4. Tamaris Saffron Antic Nappa Sandals - £34.99
5. Monsoon Adana Top - £45

Retro Housewife meets Ethereal Nudes at Principles

Last week, I attended London Fashion Weekend and watched the S/S09 catwalk. According to the fashion experts we should all be dressing with a hint of 'trailer park glamour' and bring out the African Queens in us. Hmmm, I'm not so sure. However, there were a couple of looks from the show that did catch my fashion eye; the new ethereal nudes ( bringing back Grecian chic), and the retro housewives (a combination of 80s power dressing and today's body con meets sport luxe shapes).

Since then I've been browsing the net to see what shops have those looks on sale now. Principles have some fabulous pieces matching the description rather well. All the key components are there; graphic dresses and block colours with ethereal neutral tones and floaty fabrics. Both looks are matched with chunky or gladiator sandals to harden and add edge. Above all, they are totally wearable.

Image Credits:
Principles Spring Summer 2009 Campaign Images
Web: http://www.principles.co.uk

The High-Heeled Gladiator

It's official. The gladiator sandal remains a firm fixture of spring/summer fashion. How do I know? Well when Christian Louboutin designs a shoe reflecting the trend, that's all the endorsement I need.

So this season we can expect a fresh offering of the warrior footwear - but unlike last season when heels were subtle and the emphasis was on comfort - this time it's all about the bold, high-heeled, ultra glam with plenty of drama.

Personally, I'm relieved that gladiator sandals have had a bit of a refresh. It's not that I didn't enjoy them before, but now with the added height, we get the benefits of elongated legs, shapely feet and a more sophisticated finish.

Check out the new designs from Christian Louboutin, Giuseppe Zanotti and Balmain - by far my favourite choice from what's out there right now.

Main image:
Pammy Sandals
- £85, www.dune.com
1. Paquita Crepe Satin Sandals by Christian Louboutin
- £547,00 , www.mytheresa.com
2. Moda In Pelle Marrianne Gladiator Sandal
- £85, www.vivaladiva.com
3. Strappy leather sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti
- £342.55, www.net-a-porter.com
4. Urban Gladiator Sandals by Balmain
- £670,00, www.mytheresa.com

Vintage Floral - Stepping into Spring

I'm so bored of winter. I can't wait for spring sunshine and blossomy breeze to banish winter and last season's wardrobe. And in much anticipation, I've been scouring the shops to find the best floral dresses to kick-start my spring/summer collection.

I have to tell you, I've been rather impressed with what's on offer. You see, I'm big on vintage dresses and I'm pleased to find that most dresses for spring/summer are reminiscent of 1940s hollywood glamour and 1960s hippy chic. Bring on the sun!

Here's my pick of the best:

Main image:
Garden floral print bow dress
- £15, Primark
1. Rebecca mini dress by Luella
- £238.50, www.net-a-porter.com
2. Claresta bustier dress
- £20, www.boohoo.com
3. Cotton Satin Sheen Party Dress
- £36, www.goddiva.co.uk
4. Vintage floral prom dress
- £44.03, www.riverisland.com

Katie Holmes: The face of Miu Miu S/S09

Did you hear that Katie Holmes is the new face of Mui Mui?

When I heard, I was not convinced but here she is modeling the S/S09 collection. Truth be told, I never had her down as someone versatile enough to carry off such an edgy campaign. However, judging from these images, the girl's done good. Don't you think?

Speaking of good, I LOVE this collection. It's so rural, tribal, nomadic and cultured. To match batik and ethnic inspired fabrics with gorgeous sculptured shapes with such ease is a triumph in my book.

www.miumiu.com

Image Credits: www.miumiu.com